Recently an Indian DRDO Scientist was held for an espionage case for a Pakistani Intelligence Operative, and this case has taken a new turn when an Indian Air Force Personnel was held on the allegation that he was also involved in the espionage case. The news broke at a hearing to extend the police custody of DRDO scientist Pradeep Kurulkar, who was arrested in connection with the case. The IAF employee’s involvement raises serious concerns and adds a fresh dimension to the ongoing probe into the espionage network.
IAF Officer Held for Espionage Case
Nikhil Shende, an IAF employee who joined the service through the sports quota, was investigated by the Maharashtra police’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). The ATS was investigating those who might have been targeted by the same person who had ensnared Kurulkar. Shende, who is stationed in Bengaluru and is originally from Nagpur, was recognised as having ties to the case.
During the court hearings to extend custody, it was revealed that the claimed IAF employee’s involvement had provoked a departmental investigation. Shende’s use of the same IP address used to connect with DRDO scientists triggered red flags. The Pune Court has registered his statement under CrPC Section 164. The involvement of an IAF officer raises further concerns about the scale and intricacy of the espionage network. During a recent court hearing, the prosecution requested that Kurulkar’s imprisonment be extended, emphasising the importance of further interrogation in the case. The defence argued that all relevant equipment had previously been confiscated and that Kurulkar had been fully cooperating with authorities.
The allegations against Kurulkar centre on his communication with a Pakistan Intelligence Operative via WhatsApp and video calls, raising the possibility of a honeytrap operation. Kurulkar was charged under relevant parts of the Official Secrets Act upon his arrest, emphasising the gravity of the accusations levelled against him.
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